The Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker, has released its watchlist ahead of the 2022 season.
Georgia football’s Jamon Dumas-Johnson is named on the list. The sophomore will take over the inside linebacker spot left by NFL draftee and 2021 Butkus Award winner, Nakobe Dean.
Dumas-Johnson would become the third UGA linebacker to win the award since 2017 (Dean, Roquan Smith).
Georgia’s loaded defense last season didn’t have much room for a young Dumas-Johnson to get reps, yet the Hyattsville, M.d., native still flashed talent when given the chance.
The former four-star recruit recorded 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and 2.0 sacks, along with an interception (returned for a touchdown) and 2.0 quarterback pressures.
